ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) witnessed heated exchanges during its joint parliamentary party meeting, with lawmakers divided over negotiations, party leadership and the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment.
According to reports from the meeting, PTI leader Azam Swati claimed that party founder Imran Khan had authorised him to negotiate. However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reportedly contradicted him, saying Imran Khan had denied giving Swati such authority during a meeting in jail.
Gohar reportedly said Imran Khan had entrusted the authority to negotiate to opposition leaders Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. Swati subsequently left the meeting.
PTI Leaders Differ Over Negotiations
Participants also expressed differing views on negotiations with the government and the establishment.
According to sources, Noorul Haq Qadri repeatedly called for talks, prompting applause from participants. Meanwhile, MPA Mashal Yousafzai reportedly criticised former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Sohail Afridi and the opposition leadership, arguing that Afridi had focused on a long march while Imran Khan was unwell.
Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser reportedly said Imran Khan had expressed confidence in Afridi, Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas.
Shafqat Awan also criticised party members for targeting their own colleagues instead of focusing on challenging the government. Sources said senior PTI leaders expressed displeasure over interruptions by Mashal Yousafzai during members’ speeches.
Some participants also criticised Barrister Gohar and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, questioning the leadership’s reliance on Afridi.
Conditional Support for 28th Amendment
Around 15 lawmakers reportedly favoured supporting the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment, arguing that it could help normalise relations with the establishment and pave the way for Imran Khan’s release.
A separate decision was taken to form a six-member steering committee headed by the opposition leaders in the National Assembly and Senate. The committee will include two MNAs, two senators, one member from Punjab and one from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the reported decision, the committee will raise matters concerning access to Imran Khan and arrangements for his medical treatment with the relevant authorities.
PTI Demands End to Governor’s Rule in KP
The party’s joint parliamentary meeting also issued a declaration condemning the imposition of emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing them as an attack on provincial autonomy and the Constitution.
The declaration called for the immediate withdrawal of emergency measures and governor’s rule, and demanded the restoration of the provincial government under Sohail Afridi.
It also expressed concern over raids and arrests targeting elected leaders, party organisations and workers, and called for the release of detained party leaders.
The parliamentary party reaffirmed its commitment to Imran Khan’s leadership, decisions and vision. It demanded the immediate release of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in accordance with the law and called for compliance with Supreme Court directions concerning Khan’s medical treatment.
Dispute Over Meeting Declaration
Sources said former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser brought a pre-written declaration to the meeting, including points that had not been discussed. Several lawmakers reportedly objected.
Faisal Amin Gandapur allegedly reacted by asking, “Is this a joke?” before leaving following an exchange with Barrister Gohar.
MNA Mobeen Arif Jutt also questioned the party leadership’s response to detained and missing leaders. He criticised opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, alleging that Achakzai had approached the Sharif family after his son was arrested near Kharian and remained in Lahore until his release.
Media reports also indicated that several lawmakers, including Ali Muhammad Khan, left before the meeting concluded.
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